Dental Implants

Dental Implants: the best method for replacing missing teeth!

Many patients suffer from significant damage to their smile and are in need of comprehensive, full mouth reconstruction. While Dr. Rob Harrell utilizes multiple treatments at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne to restore your smile, dental implants are the number one choice when it comes to restoring both function and appearance.

Over the past decade, dental implants have emerged as the most comprehensive and effective option for replacing missing teeth. The prosthetic teeth are a vast improvement over traditional replacements such as dentures and bridges. At Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne, Dr. Rob Harrell has helped countless patients reclaim a natural, healthy and functional smile through several types of dental implant procedures.

The greatest advantage of dental implants is that they are far more secure than dentures and bridges. Many patients find that their dental implants allow them to eat and speak naturally and are amazed at how well implants mimic both the look and feel of natural teeth. This exciting new technology offers several different ways to replace missing teeth and help you regain confidence in your smile.

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You will meet with Dr. Harrell to get more information and discuss your vision of a perfect new smile. We’ll also create a computer image of what your new smile will look like. We’ll create a plan for your smile transformation and your track to superior oral health.

Types of Implants

Single dental implants are the most straightforward way to replace teeth. These prosthetic devices are the equivalent of an entire tooth from crown to root. A strong metal post is inserted into the jawbone, serving as a solid anchor for the tooth. Once the post fuses with the bone, a permanent crown is placed. In many cases, porcelain is the material of choice for the crown, as it is not only entirely natural looking, it is by far the best material from a functional standpoint.

For patients who are missing most or all of their teeth, the All on 4 option is the perfect way to create a full set of durable and aesthetic teeth. This procedure is similar to single dental implants in that it involves the use of surgical-grade titanium posts. Only four posts are needed, however, as they are strategically placed throughout the upper or lower arch. Once in place, a metal bar spans each post and provides an attachment surface for a set of custom-made teeth. These teeth are much stronger and more aesthetic than dentures, and have allowed many patients to enjoy all the foods they did with their natural teeth. All on 4 dental implants are also a more permanent and durable option than dentures, as the teeth can only be removed by Dr. Harrell.

The biggest drawback of dentures is that they can be unstable or loose-fitting in the mouth. If you have dentures and are experiencing this problem, denture stabilization is an excellent option for making your denture more comfortable and functional. This process consists of placing several “mini” implant posts in the jawbone. These mini posts make it possible to easily snap dentures on and off. While in place, though, the denture is far more secure than traditional dentures. Most patients do not even need new dentures, and the procedure can be completed in one day, allowing patients to eat with their new denture as soon as they leave the office.

Dental implant technology also offers a huge improvement on traditional bridges. Implant bridges are similar to single dental implants, except that multiple teeth can be replaced with only two posts. Unlike a traditional crown and bridge, which requires alteration of natural teeth to place a crown, implant bridges consist of two posts on either side of an edentulous space. Replacement teeth then span the area and provide a more functional eating surface than typical bridges.

If you are missing one, multiple, or all of your teeth, Dr. Rob Harrell can offer numerous dental implant solutions for restoring your smile and your self-confidence. Just as important, you can once again experience the joy of eating, chewing and speaking without pain or discomfort. Dental implants do not require any special hygienic practices and can be brushed just as though they were natural teeth. At Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne, we are committed to helping our patients enjoy a better lifestyle. If you are ready to smile with pride once again, call us at (704) 541-9888 or email Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne today to schedule a free, no-obligation smile consultation with Dr. Harrell. During your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will look when your treatment is complete.

Dental Implants Procedure

The process of placing dental implants begins with creating a small hole in the jawbone beneath the area in need of a replacement tooth. Dr. Harrell then places a surgical-grade titanium post into the hole. The post has threads similar to those on a screw, making it easier for the surrounding bone to fuse with the post. This process, known as “osseointegration,” is given ample time to complete, although in some instances a crown can be placed in the same day. Regardless, dental implants are topped with a porcelain crown. Combined with a solid anchor within the jaw, these types of crowns give patients full use of their new tooth. In fact, the function and appearance of dental implants is nearly identical to that of natural teeth.

In some cases, sufficient bone mass for placement of the titanium post may not be present in the jaw. Dr. Harrell can perform procedures that increase the bone density and create an ideal substrate for placing dental implants.

There are several dental implant variations that can be beneficial in a full mouth reconstruction. Several teeth can be replaced with only two posts, or an entire arch of teeth may be seated on only 4 posts, a method known as “all on 4.” Finally, dental implants can be used to create far better dentures, including those which easily snap on and off.

When it comes to full mouth reconstruction, dental implants are the most powerful tool for restoring your smile. Dr. Harrell has placed countless implants and has helped patients reclaim every aspect of their smile, from function to appearance. If you are ready for a happier and healthier lifestyle, call (704) 541-9888 or contact us Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne today to schedule a free, no-obligation smile consultation with Dr. Harrell. During your consultation a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how you will look when your treatment is complete.